Counter terrorism squad
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully rescued 11 kidnap victims following two separate tactical encounters with armed bandits in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations were executed over a two-day period on October 30 and 31.
Confirming the successful missions in a statement on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Osoba Olaniyi, disclosed that the operations were triggered by rapid response to security threats in the area.
According to Olaniyi, the first incident occurred when troops received an urgent distress call indicating that armed bandits had mounted a roadblock on the route leading to Ribah town in an attempt to breach the community.
Upon arriving at the scene, the military team discovered several abandoned motorcycles and confirmed that an unspecified number of commuters had been seized.
“Troops immediately pursued the bandits and exchanged fire with them, forcing them to abandon seven kidnapped victims,” Olaniyi stated.
The seven rescued individuals were identified as:
Sa’adu Bala
Dantani Yahyi
Nura Musa
Nasiru Muhammad
Abdulakeem Abubakar
Abdulahi Maikudi
Zaki Gom
All seven victims have since been safely reunited with their respective families.
Detailing the second encounter, Olaniyi explained that troops on routine patrol in the Wasagu axis came under sudden gunfire from terrorists operating in the sector.
“The troops responded decisively, forcing the terrorists to flee and abandon four victims who had earlier been abducted from their farms in Wasagu village,” he noted.
The four farm workers identified as Lawali Ali, Samaila Shuaibu, Kasimu Shuaibu, and Aliyu Bala were safely extracted and officially handed over to the Wasagu community head.
Reiterating the military’s posture in the region, Olaniyi assured residents that troops remain steadfastly committed to safeguarding communities and will maintain prompt, decisive responses to all security threats across the state.
